Many wore pink, math teacher Colleen Ritzer's favorite color. They prayed and sang and, at the end of the vigil, placed their candles along with some stuffed animals in the middle of a ring they formed for the gathering.

Ritzer's body was found not far from where the vigil was held, in a wooded area behind Danvers High School. Officials have not listed the cause of death.

"She supported all of us. We should be there to support her," said Danvers senior Courtney Arnoldy, 18, who had Ritzer for a teacher.

Those that knew Ritzer called her a brilliant ray of light who loved to laugh and loved math. She was dedicated to teaching it and devoted to her students.

"We will work together to insure that Ms. Ritzer's legacy is defined not by one day or one person. but by the many lives that she impacted," said Danvers Superintendent Lisa Dana.

A 14-year-old Danvers student has arrested and charged with killing Ritzer. Philip Chism is said to have been arrested because of statements he made and corroborating evidence. He's being held without bail.

The tall, lanky teenager had moved to Massachusetts from Tennessee before the start of the school year and was a top scorer on the school's junior varsity soccer team. Classmates described him as soft-spoken.

Neighbor Mary Duffy watched Ritzer grow up and she said her family is devastated. They are asking for privacy, but released a statement saying they are "mourning the tragic death of their amazing, beautiful daughter and sister."

"Colleen was a young and caring with a whole world ahead of her and to be taken so tragically, it's just awful," said her uncle, Peter Martellucci.

The young teacher is now being remembered on social media by students.

"Ms. Ritzer was the sweetest teacher anyone could ever have. She made every one of her students smile, she was such a good teacher," wrote one.

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